Print quality PDF in InDesign Places low quality

Question

I have created and downloaded a print quality PDF in Canva. Viewing the PDF shows that it is razor sharp. However, when I place it in my InDesign document, which is the same size as the Canva document (5.5 x 8.5 inches), the quality is terrible. What am I doing wrong?

rob day · Answer

There is something off in the Canva PDF. If I inspect it in AcrobatPro, the background image is showing a low resolution (88ppi), even though the pixel dimensions indicate the res should be much higher. Also all of the color is RGB with no color profile DeviceRGB, which could create a color management problem if the destination is print.

If I place the PDF in a same sized 5.5"x8.5" InDesign page, and export to the default PDF/X-4 preset, the image resolution is corrected (368ppi):

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